Left: Etsy find, magnate tray, USD $17.00, right; my latest Value Village find, $1.99
As you may already know, I'm an obsessed vintage hound. I scour my local thrift stores at least once a week (and I have a family, which means I'm truly committed) for refuse that I can give a second lease on life. Lately, an item that's been popping up everywhere are vintage trays. Painted metal, oak, brass and copper, I must have seen at least a dozen darling trays batting their lashes, while my husband's voice in my head commands me to move along -- I've already got me a few too many, you see.
But just because I'm forbidden to buy any more, doesn't mean you are! And on this Bargain Saturday I say, get yourself some vintage trays -- anywhere where there is vantage to be had. An instant hit of romance, '50s kitsch, or just good old personality, a vintage tray has many creative uses and usually runs you between $1.99 (see above) - $45.00. Spruce up a cheap old folding TV table, lean it against the wall on a sideboard, use metal trays as a magnate board as the Etsy find demonstrates or do as I will with my stock, and hang them on your wall.
I plan on hanging mine on the wall in my guest room. The room is a mishmash of romantic salvage, and a collage of vintage trays will be just the right fit. But really, you could do it anywhere; over the fireplace, in the kitchen, and over the stove instead of tile (great in a rental apartment as a quick fix.) You can even paint the inside with chalkboard paint for notes, or mirror the elaborate ones (if they're not already mirrored) and hang them in the hall. Get creative! And as always, if you could send me some photos, I would really love that.
Check back Saturdays for more Bargains!
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